Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
EDPA Partner.

Alabama already attracts significant amounts of jobs and investments from international companies in a broad range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, biotech and beyond.

Last year alone,
the state's FDI came from 16 different countries, totaling more than $1.2 billion in investment and 3,391 new and future jobs. Since 2013, Alabama has attracted more than $8 billion in FDI, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce.

A new $85 million Embassy Suites hotel, described as a "transformative" project, will anchor Alabama's most visible and recently renovated public beachfront.

The city of Gulf Shores, on Tuesday, announced it has reached an agreement in principle with DD Partners LLC, a development team led by Birmingham-based developer Ron Durham and Marietta, Georgia-based developer Ron Day.

The group will lead the construction of a 229-room, mixed-use hotel development on a 1.93-acre parcel at the corner of West Beach Boulevard and West 1
st Street.